I've been researching my family history in Detroit and ended up cataloging every known building by Richard H. Marr (1886–1946), an architect who married into my family in 1911. A lot of it turned out to be useful context for anyone rehabbing older Detroit homes.

A few takeaways:

• Marr designed homes in many of the neighborhoods investors talk about today: Palmer Woods (about 17 homes), Boston-Edison, Indian Village, Sherwood Forest, Rosedale Park, Arden Park and Grosse Pointe Park. He also designed apartment buildings on Palmer Park Boulevard and Prentis Street.

• Many of these are in local historic districts. Exterior changes typically need approval from Detroit's Historic District Commission, so build that time into any rehab plan. Depending on the property and its use, the work may also qualify for historic preservation incentives.

• The Palmer Park Boulevard apartments are a good case study in 1920s multifamily that has lasted a century.

• Some of his buildings have been demolished or burned, so a known architect doesn't mean a property is still standing. Always verify the address.

Here's a 2-minute video tour of some of the homes: https://youtu.be/adeSKEcxsaU

Has anyone here rehabbed a 1920s home in one of these districts? What surprised you most about working within the historic guidelines?

First reply, posted right after or when someone asks:

For anyone who wants the full list, I put together addresses, neighborhoods and photos for every known Marr building here: https://hermankiefer.com/richard-marr